For first time, RHLSD will have all-day, district-wide kindergarten

Published: July 29, 2003 8:00PM

With the 2003-04 school year rapidly approaching, the Rolling Hills Local Board of Education approved several items Tuesday in preparation for the start of school including the transfer and installation of modular classroom units to allow for district-wide, all-day kindergarten each school day.

We will now have all-day, every-day kindergarten throughout the district starting this year, said Rolling Hills Superintendent Gary Norris. We have explored all avenues regarding structure possibilities (to expand facilities to allow for the additional kindergarten students), and the modular units are the best way for us to go. Other locations, including the Beech Grove Family Center, were cost prohibitive and not an option.

The modular units will enable us to go to the all-day, every-day kindergarten, said Norris.

The board authorized Treasurer Jeffery Walters to hire an architect to provide the district with plans, specifications and cost estimates for the transferring and installation of the modular classroom units to the Brook Elementary site.

The board also authorized Walters to advertise for bids for the transferring and installation of the modular classrooms units to Brook Elementary.

On a related note, the board approved a Title II position for the all-day, every-day kindergarten class, as well as a Title II position for a sixth-grade teacher.

Board members also approved an unpaid leave of absence for Lorie Owens for the 2003-04 school year, and they accepted the resignation of Karl B. Justus III, effective July 9.

A contract was executed with Kim Barker to provide Summer School speech services for a Golden Rule student, effective July 14 through Aug. 29.

The board also wrapped up an issue from the previous school year, approving a certified contract for Steve Wentworth, as after school detention monitor at Meadowbrook Middle School, effective March 26, 2003, through the end of the 2002-03 school year.

The board granted permission to advertise for bids for one plus 72-passenger bus body and chassis, and the sale of three buses and a van. The buses and van approved for sale were previously replaced by the district.

The board received a transportation update from Becky Sharp, a food service update from Patti Tipton and a written technology update from Dan Wood.

During the treasurers report, the board approved the Local Government Services Division of the Auditor of States office to assist and review the FY 2003 General Purpose Financial Statements at a cost not to exceed $6,300.

The board also approved participation in the Ohio School Board Associations group rating program for Workers Compensation for calendar year 2004 and a resolution declaring an intent to cooperate with OMERESA to continue services for FY 2004, as presented.

Finally, the board approved the 2003-04 elementary parent-student handbook and a facility usage form that will reportedly be maintained at each building in the district.

The Rolling Hills Board of Education will next meet in regular session on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.